Bluffton is the perfect place to discover an original masterpiece at a local gallery.
Many Bluffton artists find inspiration in the remarkable beauty of the Lowcountry, from emerald-green marshes and exquisite sunsets to quaint slices of everyday life along the May River.
Whether you’re looking for a painting, sculpture, drawing, photograph or mixed media work, you’ll discover a wide range of creative treasures in Bluffton. In fact, the South Carolina Arts Commission recently recognized Old Town Bluffton as a Cultural District in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the arts.
Original art will be featured at the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, which takes place October 14-22, but you can stop by these galleries to enjoy the heART of the Lowcountry any time of the year. Happy hunting!
La Petite Gallerie
Art in the Garden: Placing the Right Work in the Right Spot
A recent article in the Island Packet and Washington Post suggested choosing garden art that really “speaks” to you, and then allowing it to help define the landscape. If you can, place art against quiet backdrops like evergreens, hedges or lawns. Choose art you really love, go for a large focal point, don’t crowd too much art together and place where you can enjoy often.
We had fun taking pics of just a few of the fun pieces in our gallery garden. Highlights include metalworks by Gary Alexander and colorful glass twists and spirals by Oberini Glass.
Be sure to visit La Petite Gallerie’s Art Garden! Perhaps you will find the perfect treasure for your own garden.
Located adjacent to “The Store” at 56 Calhoun Street. For more information, go to lapetitegallerie.com.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Four Corners Fine Art & Framing
Framing Tips to Enhance and Protect Works of Art
By Charlene Gardner, Four Corners Fine Art & Framing
Whether you’d like to hang a piece of fine art, a work of folk art or a personal treasure created by your child or family member, it’s important to think about framing.
Framing enhances the art and takes it to a whole other level. It brings out colors and textures that make your piece unique. At that same time, framing also protects your art, making sure it will bring enjoyment for many years to come.
The frame choice should highlight and preserve your works of art in the “wow” mode. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when framing your next masterpiece:
Select conservation glass.
The Lowcountry environment has plenty of natural light, which can cause works on paper or other materials to fade. Conservation glass offers UV protection to ensure that your art will stay bright and vibrant.
Choose acid-free materials.
Check to see that corrugated material is not behind your art, as it will decompose over time. Mats and backing should be made from acid-free materials to prevent burning and foxing of papers.
Consider nontraditional frames.
Conventional wood and gold gilt frames are always popular choices, but a wide range of alternative, unexpected options are available, from plexiglass to reclaimed wood from old docks, homes and barns. The type of frame you choose depends upon the art and on your personal taste.
Think outside the frame.
Fabrics, texture and unique presentations can showcase your work of art at its finest. Textiles, collection pieces and oversized works get special attention, requiring unique engineering skills.
Four Corners Fine Art Gallery & Framing, which has been in operation since 1998, offers the largest selection of frames in Bluffton. Located at 1263-B May River Road. For more information, contact (843) 757-8185 or visit fourcornersgallerybluffton.com.
Hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.